Minister O’Keeffe announces 50 jobs in mobile phone cover-maker

27 September 2010

A firm that makes protective covers for mobile phone handsets is to create 50 new jobs in Cork over the next two years, according to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O’Keeffe TD.

US-based OtterBox is setting up a new headquarters in George’s Quay, Cork, for the Europe, Middle-East and Africa (EMEA) market.

The firms designs and produces device-specific protective covers for smartphones and handheld mobile phones.

The 50 new jobs will be across in-house sales, customer service, accounting, engineering, public relations, marketing, web design, graphics, supply chain, human resources and warehousing.

Recruitment is under way.

OtterBox, which was founded in 1998, is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Minister O’Keeffe described OtterBox as an ‘innovative firm that has grown rapidly in line with an expanding smartphone market’.

‘OtterBox is a market-leader in the design and production of high-quality and durable protective covers for the handheld mobile phone market.

‘The firm’s decision to establish its EMEA headquarters in Cork reaffirms the county’s global reputation as a hub for innovation and advanced product design and production, with access to an educated and skilled workforce and modern transport infrastructure.

‘The Cork operation will be at the heart of the firm’s global growth,’ said Minister O’Keeffe.

The managing director of OtterBox EMEA, Matt Clark, said: ‘This has been a very exciting year for OtterBox with the opening of the EMEA office here in Cork and OtterBox’s inclusion on the INC 500 list of fastest growing companies in the US.

‘As the company expands, we are looking to firmly establish our presence in the EMEA market and Cork is the perfect location for that with its access to Europe, the Middle East and Africa as well as our headquarters in Colorado.’

Welcoming today’s announcement, the chief executive of IDA Ireland, Barry O’Leary, said: ‘IDA Ireland recognises the importance and potential of attracting emerging high-growth companies such as OtterBox to Ireland.

‘The company has achieved phenomenal growth to date in the US and plans to replicate this success in the EMEA region through its new operation in Cork.

‘I am confident that, as the demand for smartphones continues to grow, OtterBox will be the leaders in providing durable and high-quality protective solutions in the region.’

ENDS

For information visit otterbox.com

Bernard Mallee, Press Adviser to Minister Batt O'Keeffe, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, on Tel: +353 1 631 3944, Mobile: +353 87 9173022, Email: bernard.mallee@deti.ie